Daily Home Puja
A simple, universal daily worship ritual suitable for all Hindu traditions
Best For
What You'll Need
Essential Items
- •Oil lamp or candle
- •Incense sticks
- •Water in a small bowl
- •Fresh flowers
- •Food offering
Optional Items
- •Bell
- •Mala (prayer beads)
- •Camphor
- •Turmeric and kumkum
- •Small brass or steel plate for offerings
Step-by-Step Guide
Morning Preparation
2 minutesAfter bathing, clean your home altar or puja space. Light an incense stick.
Meaning: Starting the day with cleanliness and sacred scent creates a devotional atmosphere
Materials needed:
Lighting the Lamp
1 minuteLight a ghee or oil lamp. This is the most essential act of daily puja.
Meaning: The lamp symbolizes the light of knowledge dispelling the darkness of ignorance
Materials needed:
Offering Water
1 minuteSprinkle water around the altar and offer a small amount to your chosen deity or deities.
Meaning: Water purifies the space and represents the offering of life itself
Materials needed:
Offering Flowers
1 minutePlace fresh flowers before your deity images. Even a single flower is sufficient.
Meaning: Flowers represent beauty, devotion, and the temporary nature of physical form
Materials needed:
Offering Food
1 minuteOffer a small portion of your breakfast or any food item before the deities.
Meaning: Acknowledging that all nourishment comes from the divine source
Materials needed:
Chanting and Meditation
3-5 minutesChant 'Om' or your chosen mantra 11, 21, or 108 times. Sit in silence for a few moments.
Meaning: Mantra chanting aligns your energy with the divine vibration
Materials needed:
Prayer and Gratitude
2 minutesExpress gratitude for your blessings and pray for the wellbeing of all beings.
Meaning: Cultivating gratitude and compassion in daily life
Concluding Aarti
2 minutesRing a bell, wave the lamp before the deities in a circular motion, then bow with folded hands.
Meaning: The aarti is a gesture of reverence and marks the conclusion of worship
Materials needed:
Sacred Mantras
ॐ
Om
The universal sound
Meaning: Om is the primordial sound from which all creation emerges
When to use: At the beginning and end of puja, or throughout meditation
ॐ भूर् भुवः स्वः । तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं । भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि । धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
We meditate on the divine light of the Sun; may it inspire our intellect
Meaning: The Gayatri Mantra is a universal prayer for clarity, wisdom, and inner light
When to use: After lighting the lamp or before silent meditation
Helpful Tips
- 💡Consistency is more important than duration - even 5 minutes daily is powerful
- 💡Involve children by letting them offer flowers or ring the bell
- 💡Keep your altar clean and organized; it reflects the state of your mind
- 💡Don't worry about perfection - sincere devotion matters most
- 💡You can perform this puja for any deity or deities of your choice
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I do daily puja?
Traditionally, morning puja is done after bathing, ideally between 6-8 AM. Evening puja is typically done around sunset. Choose a time that works for your schedule and be consistent.
Can I skip days if I'm busy?
While daily practice is ideal, missing days occasionally is understandable. Even lighting a lamp and offering a quick prayer is better than skipping entirely. The key is maintaining daily connection and intention.
Which deity should I worship in daily puja?
You can worship any deity you feel connected to - Ganesha, Lakshmi, Shiva, Krishna, Durga, or a combination. Many families worship multiple deities together. Choose based on your family tradition or personal devotion.
Practice in the myPuja App
MyPuja brings your practice to daily life.
- Keep your sacred practice close.
- Choose and organize meditations, music, and talks by tradition.
- Add your own meaningful photos and murti for your practice.